An analysis of vocational and technical education policies: Opinions of teachers, school administrators and sector

The purpose of this research is to analyze the vocational and technical education policies in the Turkish education system from the viewpoint of the internal and external stakeholders of the vocational and technical education system. Vocational and technical education policies were analyzed in terms of transition to higher education, orientation to vocational education, employment and economic growth, types of programs, modular education system, internship practices, laws governing vocational and technical education, and cooperation between vocational-technical education institutions and enterprises. Different policy areas needed were also revealed by examining the main problems of the vocational and technical education institutions and the expectations from the central government. Qualitative research methods and techniques were used in the research and the research was carried out by using descriptive design. The study group consisted of 30 participants including 10 teachers and 10 school administrators working in vocational and technical education institutions in Şahinbey and Şehitkâmil central districts of Gaziantep province and 10 representatives of enterprises carrying on a business in Gaziantep province. Criterion sampling and maximum variation sampling methods were used together to determine the participants. Research data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis. According to the research results, there are many areas where new regulations are expected to be made within the scope of vocational and technical education policies. Among these areas; centralized examination system, student profile, job opportunities, quantity and quality of educational personnel, curriculum, budget allocated for vocational and technical education institutions, educational infrastructure and equipments, internship practices, orientation studies, transition to higher education system and school-business cooperation have come to the forefront. All stakeholders are expected to contribute to the process and take responsibility for the development and extensification of vocational training. The results of the research were discussed within the scope of both the problems in vocational and technical education system and current policies and consequently suggestions were made to improve vocational and technical education system. Keywords: Vocational-technical education system, vocational-technical education policies, problems in education system